Day in history for August 24, 2007

1857 -- 150 years ago

We are indebted to Joseph Blais for a monster watermelon, weighing 40 pounds. All hands at The Argus helped eat the delicious fruit.

1882 -- 125 years ago

The general health of the citizens of Rock Island is reported to be excellent, although a number of cases of malaria fever are said to exist in the county.

1907 -- 100 years ago

Barney Oldfield, the famous auto racer, arrived in this city today with his Green Dragon. He will attempt to set a new dirt track record at the Davenport mile track.

1932 -- 75 years ago

Participation at the Rock Island playgrounds increased 10,272 during the season, according to a report made today by Mel H. Hodge, superintendent of the Playground and Recreation Commission.

1957 -- 50 years ago

With a score of .23 accidents per 100,000 miles, the payroll audit department of the Bituminous Casualty Corp. has won its third consecutive victory in the company's intra-departmental safe driving competition and thus takes permanent possession of the Bituminous Automobile Safety trophy.

1982 -- 25 years ago

Moline teachers started classes today without a contract after rejecting a negotiated settlement for the first time in the district's 14-year, collective bargaining history. Teachers will be in the classroom while negotiations continue.

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